Many of us have a specific skincare routine, and most already know the correct order of application of our skincare products. However, very few of us know the proper amount of each skincare product that should be used.
Two mistakes many people make are using too much of their skincare product or too little product. Both these situations have their distinct effects on the skin. If you are curious about how much skincare product you should actually be using, keep on reading!
Using Too Much of a Skincare Product
Using too much product is not just a waste of product but also inefficient. It isn’t doing any good to your skin and can irritate it, causing redness, itching, and leaving an oily residue. You can tell when you are using an excess amount of skincare products when the skincare products do not sink into your skin and leave a sticky or oily residue. Another reason it’s not great to use too much of a skincare product is that it can lead to clogged pores and acne.
Using Too Little of a Skincare Product
Using too much skincare product is a significant issue, but using too little is also important. Using less than the desired amount can also cause difficulty in cleaning your skin which in turn causes hindrance in the absorption of other skincare products. Hence, you won't get the benefits. Using too little product does not allow the active ingredients to work on your skin effectively, or it may cause harm to your skin, as well as under-protect your skin from environmental factors.
How Much Skincare Product Should I Apply?
Let’s now move on to the right amount of each skincare product you should be applying to your face!
Cleanser - Cleansing is the most crucial part of any skincare routine. A good cleanser should be used twice a day. If someone is a makeup wearer, it’s best to double cleanse at night. Start by first using micellar water or a cleansing oil to remove makeup, and then use a regular cleanser to wash everything off.
The amount of cleanser depends upon its formulation. For a gel or cream cleanser, a quarter-sized amount is enough for the face and an additional dime size for the neck. For a foam cleanser, one pump would be sufficient.
Face Serum- After cleansing, next comes a hydrating face serum or any other face serum of your liking. A face serum is a formulation of a higher concentration of active ingredients. We suggest using an antioxidant serum like vitamin C during the daytime and a hydrating serum like hyaluronic acid at night.
Usually, 3-5 drops of a facial serum is enough for the face. You can put the serum in the palm of your hand and gently pat the serum into your skin, ensuring that it absorbs properly. Also, remember to apply the serum to your neck and let the serum sink beautifully into your skin.
We love using Sundree’s RYSE+SHYNE facial serum. This lightweight hydrating facial serum is packed with vitamin C, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and a hint of CBD to brighten skin while improving skin’s texture. This beauty-boosting facial serum can be used morning and night.
Eye Cream – You don’t need too much when it comes to eye cream since they are very concentrated. It’s essential to find an eye cream that is right for you, whether you need an eye cream that firms, hydrates, or addresses your skin concerns such as dark spots or dark circles.
Usually, it’s recommended to use a pea-size amount or half a pump of eye cream. You must be very gentle while applying eye cream as the under-eye area is very delicate. It's best to pat the eye cream into your skin instead of rubbing it in.
Using too much eye cream can waste the product or irritate your skin. On the other hand, not using enough will not give you the desired results.
Moisturizer – A moisturizer is another significant part of a skincare routine. Whether you have dry, normal, combination, or oily skin, you should have a moisturizer in your skincare routine. A good moisturizer should be used twice daily.
Nickel-sized amount is sufficient for the face, and an additional nickel-sized amount for the neck and chest. A cream-based moisturizer is used for dry skin, while a gel or water-based moisturizer is better for oily skin.
Oil-Free Lotion- People with oily skin should also incorporate a moisturizer into their skincare routine. An oil-free lotion is best due to its thinner consistency than cream. A dime-sized amount is ample for the face, but don’t forget your neck. You’ll need an extra amount to apply to the neck.
Sunscreen - We all know how important sunscreen is! After applying serum and moisturizer, wait about 30 seconds, then apply sunscreen. According to Dr. Sophie Shotter, “You should generally think of a dessert spoon amount when applying SPF to your face…”¹
You should apply sunscreen to the face and body whenever exposed to the sun. It should be your last step during your daytime skincare routine. Reapplying sunscreen after 2 hours is recommended if you have long periods of sun exposure. Include sunscreen in your skincare routine, especially if you use a retinol product, as the skin can become more sensitive to the sun.
Retinol - Retinol is very efficient in fighting signs of aging. It helps brighten dull skin, prevent wrinkles, and helps promote collagen production. It’s great to incorporate a retinol product into your nighttime skincare routine. Usually, just a small dab of retinol product is enough for the face.
Monitor how it affects your skin. Use two-three times a week and increase once your skin gets used to it.
Facial Oil- Using facial oil is the last step of the nighttime skincare routine.² This step is primarily for dry skin as it provides extra hydration to your skin. Remember to apply your skincare products from the thinnest to thickest consistency.
Since oils contain a larger molecular size than moisturizers they are used last. Massaging or patting a couple of drops of oil on your face and neck should be enough.
Facial Sheet Mask - Apart from your daily skincare routine, you should add some steps weekly that include facial sheet masks. Sheet masks are pretty popular nowadays as they are easy to use and can instantly boost your skin. Apply a sheet mask on your face and use the remaining serum on your hands and neck.
We recommend Sundree’s Happy Glow Lucky face mask. A vitamin C infused glow sheet that contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin c, and glycerin to awaken dull skin, improve skin’s texture and soothe the skin leaving a healthy glow.
Under Eye Mask- Dull and tired eyes are a concern for everyone. So it's great to add under-eye masks as a vital part of the weekly skincare routine. Under-eye masks can provide you with relaxation and an instant hydrating effect.³
Sundree’s PEPT EYES Bio-cellulose Eye Masks are filled with a perfect blend of copper peptides, white tea extract, CBD, and vitamin C to help brighten eyes while smoothing away fine lines. These under-eye masks are great to help the puffiness go poof!
Conclusion
Now that you have read about each product and its application, you probably know how significant it is to apply the correct amount of each product to get the desired results. Incorporate the tips mentioned above into your skincare regimen and reap optimal benefits from your skincare products.
Citations:
- Schroeder, Roberta. (2021). ‘This is how much sunscreen you should be applying to your face’, HarpersBazaar, Accessed June 8, 2022. Available at: https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/beauty/skincare/a35987702/how-much-spf-for-face/
- Callahan, Chrissy. (2019). ‘Are face oils right for you? Here’s everything you need to know’, Today. Accessed June 9, 2022. Available at: https://www.today.com/style/skin-care-benefits-facial-oils-everything-else-you-need-know-t153278
- Gardner, Stephanie S. (2021). ‘Dos and Don’ts of Skin Hydration’, WebMD, Accessed June 9, 2022. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/skin-hydration
